It seemed as though Chiba Kenichi sensed Chiba Sakurako's depression, and she pursed her lips and sighed deeply, "I'm really not ready yet..."
Got it.
A simple "I'm not ready" completely shut down all of Chiba Kenichi's lines, as if this beating was something he brought upon himself.
Chiba Kenichi closed his eyes, thinking to himself that, after all, he only had one sister, so this bit of grievance... he would just have to accept!
"It's fine, it's fine," Chiba Kenichi said with a bitter smile, "Sister, don't feel guilty. I'm your brother. Taking a beating for your happiness is nothing."
Indeed, it was nothing. After all, Chiba Kenichi was already used to being beaten, though being personally beaten by Chiba Sakurako did feel a bit strange for the moment...
"Mm, thank you." Chiba Sakurako nodded, thought for a moment, and added, "Chiba Kenichi, you need to keep this matter a secret for me, understand?"
